Nature photography by Tracy Zubrod with information & observations.

GYRFALCON

GYRFALCON

A Gyrfalcon is a large Arctic falcon. They are found mostly in Canada, Greenland, and scattered parts of the northern United States. We do not have these in the area I live, in the southwestern U.S., but I was able to see this one at a local raptor show.

Gyrfalcons can be seen in open country, open mountains, and coastal areas. They are hunters with hooked bills and large talons, made to capture and kill from the air. They will eat hares, squirrels, or birds. A specific diet staple is ptarmigan or snow chicken, which is a type of grouse found in western and northern Canada. They have the distinct falcon mustache on their cheeks, although not always apparent on darker color morphs.